Helping your baby build connections
From bath time to eating to getting dressed – your baby relies on you. You’re their first connection to another person, and your relationship sets the foundation for strong bonds with others. Having supportive people around them will encourage them to be resilient and face difficult or challenging situations head on.
Soak up special time with your child!
- Middle of the night feedings, diaper changes, or wake-ups may not feel like the greatest bonding experience at 3am. But they are! Responding to their needs is a key part of forming a connection with them and helping them feel secure, supported, and loved.
- Moments that we may take for granted can mean a whole lot to our children. Having special bedtime routines, rubbing their back, and holding their hand are just a few little ways to show your child how much you love them.
Help your child feel like a part of the community. Whenever possible, take your child to the grocery store, the library, or post office.
- Check out a local “Mommy and Me” or “Daddy and Me” class as a fun way to bond with your child while trying new things together.
- Set up “playdates” with other families to give your baby an opportunity to be around others…and to provide you an opportunity to get support from other parents.
Keep in mind that every child is different.
Some babies need a little extra time to warm up to other people, while some love to be the center of attention right away. Pay attention to your child’s temperament as they develop into their own unique person.
- If your child is becomes easily overwhelmed when interacting with new people, don’t introduce them to too many people at once – start slow with maybe just 1 or 2 people.
- Show them that the new situation is something that may be fun or exciting by letting them watch you interact with the new person. Give the person they are meeting a hug and exaggerate your facial expressions with big smiles.
- Be patient with your infant as they deal with these situations. You can’t change their temperament, but by knowing how they respond to the world, you can support them in building resilience, regardless of their temperament style.
If your 9 month old is cautious about staying with a family friend, make sure they have time to adjust. Have a clear goodbye with them to make sure they feel safe and comfortable.
If your 5 month old, loves being held by new people and views it as exciting, let them explore these new interactions!